Testers Hollow Upgrade on Track

Refinements to previous studies and survey work to be undertaken on Testers Hollow upgrade prior to construction

Fixing the road will keep communities connected to jobs, schools and vital services at all times

New South Wales Government to provide proposal to Australian Government on how federal funding can be utilised to deliver the project

The Australian Government is expecting to receive a proposal on improving flood immunity on Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow within weeks.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the imminent report from the New South Wales Government would be the basis of future works and reaffirmed the Australian Government's $15 million commitment to the project.

“Flooding at Testers Hollow has a big impact on local communities, so we are working on a project to raise and realign Cessnock Road to ensure communities stay connected to jobs, schools and emergency services at all times,” Mr Chester said.

“We are working with the New South Wales Government to see this road upgraded in the most effective way possible and look forward to receiving a proposal in coming weeks on how this joint commitment can be used to progress the project.”

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said further planning and design steps must be taken before work can start.

“We understand the impact of road closures on local communities in terms of longer commutes and isolation from essential services, and it's an issue I am keen to see addressed soon,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Further studies are required to ensure that the solution to the flood problem at Testers Hollow does not negatively impact surrounding areas and our joint funding commitment will be used to refine previous flood modelling and carry out important geotechnical and survey work to finalise the preferred option.

“Once this is complete we can then undertake the work. Early works should start in mid-2018 with construction expected to start in 2019.”

The $17 million project will receive $15 million from the Australian Government, with the remainder being funded by the New South Wales Government.